Fig Newtons have been around since 1891! Can you believe that? Needless to say, they are a classic fruity biscuit that was much in need of a healthy upgrade. No offense Fig Newtons. So here is my version: raw, vegan, completely unprocessed, Fig Macs.
These tasty treats are surprisingly easy to make and assemble, and only have 4 main ingredients!
Fig Macs
- 8 dates, pitted and soaked
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup walnuts
- 8 dried figs, soaked
- sprinkle of flax meal
Start by pitting the dates and soaking them for a few minutes in warm water. Soak the figs as well while you prepare the rest of the "cookie" coating. Place the oats and walnuts in a food processor and blend into a coarse meal. Drain the dates and add them to the food processor. Blend until a dough is formed.
Transfer the dough into a mixing bowl and divide into two even halves. Line a square or rectangular container or dish with parchment paper. My container is about 8X4 inches. Flatten out half of the cookie mixture into the bottom of the container, making sure to press evenly all the way to the edges.
Drain the figs and blend in the food processor until smooth (ish). Using a rubber spatula, spread the fig filling on top of the bottom layer of cookie. For the top layer, flatten out the cookie dough in your hands as much as possible before placing it on top of the fig layer. It's fine if it breaks into a few pieces because once it is layered you can flatten it and connect the pieces with your fingers. I like to fold over the edges of the parchment paper so I have a less sticky surface to flatten and compress.
Sprinkle with flax meal (optional, just for texture) and place in the freezer for at least one hour. To remove the entire thing from the container just lift the sides of the parchment paper. Place onto a cutting board and unwrap. Slice into even bars, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy!
